Liquor & Gaming NSW (the regulatory body for liquor and gambling in New South Wales) plans to examine signs outside of gambling venues ahead of the upcoming election. Jane Lin, Liquor & Gaming NSW executive director of regulatory operations, and enforcement, gave a speech at a conference called Regulating the Game in Sydney.
The executive director of regulatory operations & enforcement suggested that the regulator would investigate the signage used by gambling venues. Lin stated that Liquor & Gaming NSW would investigate this on a case-by–case basis as they always do.
The NSW regulations currently prohibit outdoor advertising of gambling venues. Gambling venues have found a clever way to circumvent this ban by placing signs like “VIP Lounge” on their exteriors. This is not direct advertising but it is often associated with gambling.
We need to look at the law’s wording and see what we can do to enforce it.
Jane Lin, executive Director of Liquor & Gaming NSW’s regulatory operations and enforcement
Lin stated that around 80% of NSW’s gambling venues had signage that indicated the presence of machines. Although Liquor & Gaming NSW is investigating the matter, Lin acknowledged that legislative changes may be necessary. Lin noted that it might not be the regulator who takes action because the parties in NSW that are running in the next election support major changes in the gambling sector.
The NSW Gaming Sector Needs to Be Restructured
Recent discussion has been focused on legislative changes in the gambling industry in NSW. Both major parties are supporting changes to the sector in the event that they win the election.
One of the changes proposed is the introduction of a cashless gambling card. This will help combat financial crimes in the gambling industry such as money laundering. The cashless gaming card is expected to reduce problem gambling and gambling harm.
